David Ornstein has provided the update Manchester United fans have been crying out for.
The transfer expert exclusively broke the news this morning that United are closing in on a £65 million (£60m upfront plus £5m in add-ons) deal for Carlos Baleba.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United closing in on deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion. #MUFC offer for 22yo Cameroon midfielder ~£60+5m; below #BHAFC valuation but amicable talks continue as all parties work to reach agreement @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/WmP1bD2JuT
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 19, 2026
David Ornstein confirms revived Carlos Baleba pursuit
While the Red Devils’ proposal currently falls below Brighton and Hove Albion’s valuation, ‘amicable’ talks are ongoing between all parties, with all keen to reach an agreement.
It comes after United failed with an approach for Baleba around this time last year, after Brighton made it clear he was off-limits ahead of 2025/2026 getting underway.
Personal terms had been agreed with the 22-year-old, and he wanted to make the move to Old Trafford, but has had to wait until potentially now to finally do so.
Fabian Hurzeler admits Manchester United links could be affecting Carlos Baleba pic.twitter.com/k5E56S8Jhn
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 20, 2025
Fabrizio Romano revealed in recent weeks that Baleba has been ‘pushing hard’ to seal his dream switch to the 20-time champions.
Baleba nursing ankle injury after pre-season setback
Currently, Baleba is actually unavailable for the opening Premier League fixtures, having sustained an ankle ligament injury in pre-season.
He will be spending a period on the sidelines, though it is not expected to be a ‘longer-term’ problem.
🚨 Carlos Baleba doubtful for start of new campaign through injury. 22yo Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage in pre-season – expected to spend period on sidelines but longer-term problem not anticipated by #BHAFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/GJf4eZ9FtO
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 6, 2026
The Cameroonian, who plays with Bryan Mbeumo at international level, has spent the last three years plying his trade at the Amex.
He has racked up 92 top-flight appearances and 5,655 minutes of action, so he provides some welcome experience to Michael Carrick’s midfield along with new recruits Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
"This guy has everything… he can go to any club" 🔥
The Super Sunday studio are full of praise for Carlos Baleba 🙌 pic.twitter.com/C7ehLS15m0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 4, 2025
It remains to be seen if INEOS will look to bolster more positions, such as left-back, before the deadline next month.
United continue to be linked with the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall to provide backup to Luke Shaw.
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